MD.Akib Hasan Shad :
The rickshaw is so deeply woven into the urban life of Bangladesh that calling it merely a vehicle would be an understatement. It carries within it the stories of livelihood, art, urban history and the emotional fabric of its people. From the bustling streets of Dhaka to Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna or Sylhet—rickshaws represent a moving cultural identity across the country.
The word rickshaw originates from the Japanese term “jinrikisha,” meaning “human-powered vehicle,” though the word has long been absorbed into the Bangla language.
Historical Emergence:
Rickshaws first appeared in the Bengal region during the 1930s, introduced in Kolkata and Chattogram. Gradually, they found their way into Dhaka.
- In the 1940s, only a handful of rickshaws could be seen on the streets of Dhaka.
- By the 1950s, they became widely popular for being cheap, accessible, and suitable for densely populated cities.
- After the independence of Bangladesh, rickshaw-pulling became a primary occupation for large sections of the urban lower-income population.
Today, Dhaka is often referred to as the “City of Rickshaws.” Nowhere else in the world is the rickshaw used as extensively as it is in Bangladesh.
Rickshaw Art: A Global Folk Heritage:
Bangladeshi rickshaw is not only a mode of transport—it is a canvas of vibrant art. Internationally, rickshaw art is recognized as a form of folk art.
Its characteristics include bright colors—red, yellow, blue, green—along with floral patterns, birds, landscapes, scenes from rural Bengal, film stars, national monuments, freedom fighters, religious motifs, and moral messages.
Old Dhaka’s Lakshmi Bazar, Sutrapur, and Narinda once served as the heart of rickshaw decoration. Many artists still continue this tradition, keeping the heritage alive despite modern challenges.
A Life of Struggle Behind the Pedals:
Rickshaw-pulling is far from easy. From dawn till late night, rickshaw pullers face scorching sun, rain, storms and uncertainty of income. Most must pay a daily rental to the owner, leaving their earnings unstable.
Health risks such as chronic pain, asthma, fatigue, and exposure to accidents are constant concerns. Traffic congestion and unsafe roads add further pressure to both pullers and passengers.
Yet, millions of households across Bangladesh still rely entirely on rickshaw-pulling for survival.
A Pillar of Urban Mobility:
In Dhaka city, rickshaws account for nearly 40% of short-distance travel. In the absence of sufficient public transport, they remain the most reliable option for daily commuters.
Rickshaws are also environment-friendly—no smoke, no noise, easy movement through narrow lanes, and relatively low cost. However, challenges exist:
- They contribute to traffic congestion
- Safety concerns persist
- Lack of registration and regulatory systems remains unresolved
Even so, rickshaws continue to serve as a vital urban lifeline.
A Key Contributor to the Urban Economy:
The rickshaw sector is a major segment of Bangladesh’s informal economy. It supports millions through:
- Rickshaw pulling
- Garage and workshop operations
- Rickshaw manufacturing
- Repair work
- Rickshaw art and design
Research suggests that 1 to 1.2 million people in Dhaka alone depend, directly or indirectly, on rickshaw-related income.
Modernization and Future Prospects:
While traditional rickshaws still dominate, modernization has begun:
- Battery-powered e-rickshaws and e-bikes
- Digital fare systems
- Safer rickshaw designs
- Rickshaw-art tourism
Globally, Bangladeshi rickshaws already hold a unique reputation. They have been showcased in international exhibitions, cultural events, research projects and documentaries—standing proudly as cultural ambassadors of Bangladesh.
A Moving Symbol of Bangladesh
A rickshaw is more than transportation—it is a living cultural heritage of Bangladesh. It represents our art, culture, economy and urban lifestyle. Preserving this heritage while adapting it to modern needs is not only important—it is necessary.
The relationship between Bangladeshis and their rickshaw is not merely functional. It embodies the nation’s history, struggle, creativity and enduring beauty.
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